SHIPBUILIDNG is synonymous with Glasgow around the world.

Clyde built has been a mark of quality and craftmanship for generations as huge ocean going liners regularly rolled off the slipways of the river to cheering crowds before sailing the seven seas.

It has also consistently been one of the city’s hot political topics, from the famous UCS work-in in 1971 to the independence referendum of 2014 and beyond.

The future of the two remaining upper Clyde yards, both owned by BAE Systems, has been the subject of much debate.

Orders for naval ships have been downgraded, plans for a state-of-the-art frigate factory scaled back and the yards remain wholly dependent on Naval contracts from the Ministry of Defence.

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Accusations of broken promises levelled at UK ministers when 13 Type 26 Frigates became eight and claim and counter claim made over the impact independence would have on the city’s iconic industry.

Currently, workers at Scotstoun and Govan have orders for three type 26 frigates, and a commitment for another five, which will last until the 2030s.

HMS Glasgow is taking shape in a giant shed in Govan and steel has been cut on the second HMS Cardiff, with HMS Belfast to follow.

For decades, the announcement of an order has seen government ministers donning a hard hat and touring the yards.

A few years later however the celebratory mood has replaced with uncertainty and fears that jobs will be lost with a gap in the order book.

In 2014 during the independence referendum shipbuilding was a central topic.

It was argued by the Better Together campaign that the UK Government would not be able to use the Clyde yards if Scotland became independent and a vote to keep Scotland in the union would protect the yards.

At present, independence aside, the SNP and Labour are pretty much in in the same boat regarding protecting shipbuilding.

Paul Sweeney, Labour candidate in Glasgow North East, is a former shipyard worker. He says a long-term strategy is crucial for the yards to flourish.

He said: “We must end the feast or famine approach and replace it with a regular drumbeat of production.

“The key to that is world class infrastructure.”

Mr Sweeney says a national investment bank would finance projects like the ‘frigate factory’.

He said: “We see the Type 26 as a long-term standard design into the future.”

Mr Sweeney is highly critical of the current policy of tendering for the smaller Type 31 ships.

He added: The type 31 is a mess of a contract. It is spreading too thinly across too many yards.

“There is a flaw in that cut-throat competition model.

“We want to make yards specialists and the Clyde could be that in frigates.”

A return to the days of building cruise ships could be possible with the right investment, he said.

Mr Sweeney added: “W want to look at commercial opportunities instead of only focusing on naval work. We have never had the finance available. A state investment bank would allow that capital investment.”

The SNP also want a long-term shipbuilding strategy to secure jobs and guarantee a future for the yards beyond the 2030s the current contract allows.

Chris Stephens, is the SNP candidate for Glasgow South West, which include Govan Shipyard one of the biggest employers in the constituency.

He said: “The first thing we need is getting the commitment for the remaining five Type 26 frigates into a signed contract.”

He said more investment is needed form both the UK Government and BAE systems to secure a long- term future for the yards.

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Mr Stephens added: “We also need the frigate factory which has not materialised. The government can’t ask for ships to be built more efficiently if they are not willing to help.

“Then we can have a continual drumbeat of production not the feast or famine we currently have. Regardless of your political beliefs the affection people have for the yards is enormous and the importance to the economy is vital.”

Thomas Kerr, Conservative candidate in Glasgow East, said the party is protecting shipbuilding and claimed there wouldn’t be a Scottish Navy in an independent Scotland.

Mr Kerr said: “No party is doing more for the future of shipbuilding in Glasgow than the Conservatives.

“We’ve ensured major contracts for vessels to be built on the Clyde which will guarantee jobs for years to come in Glasgow and Rosyth.

“In contrast, the SNP continues to fail miserably just to get two ships built for CalMac, costing the taxpayer fortunes in the process.

“And if the nationalists had their way, there would be no Scottish Navy to build ships for.”